While my vision isn't bad enough to warrent experience with screen readers (though at this point I struggle enough that it wouldn't be a bad idea) I can say that you should definitely get on with learning to type from the home row. Esspecially given your field. You wouldn't expect it, but your poor vision will actually help you here. It's a detriment to be able to see the keyboard, enough so that many classes in schools will cover the keyboard with a box to stop students from looking at the keys. It won't take you as long as you think to get up to a useful speed.